My compliments to the fans of both programs for the posts in this thread. Great information; nice analysis of both teams; no garbage. Well done folks.

I have not seen Breathitt play this season, so it is hard for me to make any predictions. I have seen them a lot over the years and i have seen highlights on TV and read comments from fans about this season. Based on that I have a few comments.

 

I feel like Belfry's approach to this will be similar to their approach in the past. These two coaches know each other well and going into the game they will both try to just do what they do best and if it doesn't work then they will make adjustments. I have been impressed with Belfry's ability to make the halftime adjustments they needed to make and I am sure Coach Holcomb is capable to do the same. To me, watching the chess match of high school football that ensues, especially in the playoffs between two good coaches is maybe the most enjoyable part of following the sport.

 

I personally feel like with both teams, they will get their yards because they are both good at what they do. Defensively you hope to slow them down and keep them out of the end zone as much as possible and if you are lucky you will create some turnovers and get the defensive stops when you need it. Belfry's strength will be really tested by Breathitt's defensive scheme. Historically, the Bobcats have loaded the box, especially on the edges, trying to keep the Pirates between the tackles. When the Pirates have been able to match up physically on the interior, they have seen some success with the veer and especially the fullback, ala 2007. Their success usually comes on straight ahead, quick hitters where if you break the first line of defense, you are going to have a big gainer. This Belfry team has a good compliment of backs with different skill sets that they use interchangeably. They have been able to keep fresh legs in games where I think it made a difference vs tired defenses.

 

When Breathitt has the ball, they will stretch your defense out and try and use spacing to take advantage. The QB is very mobile and is as much a running threat as throwing. In the past Belfry has tried to drop 8 in coverage and rush 3, walking their DE's out in the flats in coverage. This puts a lot of pressure on the DE's and requires the LB's to make a lot of plays on the edges as well. They will play man on the outside and drop back in a cover 2 a lot, trying to eliminate the deep threat. Sometimes that leaves a seam in the 10-15 yd range that a good QB with time to throw will exploit. I think they will concede that if it allows them to take away the big play. The big concern with such a mobile QB is if the coverage is there and you are spread out so much, if he flushes out and runs it there is a lot of potential there to really gash the defense. If Breathitt is able to establish a run game, it will be a long night for the Pirates. Also if Trent is given a lot of time to throw, Belfry may be forced to rush more than 3 or sneak in a blitz here and there, which will be a change from what the "like" to do. On the flip side, if Belfry is forced to throw very often on offense, even though they are capable to do so, it means they aren't having success with their preferred game plan.

 

In the end, this one may come down to special teams and turnovers. If either teams gets a couple of takeaways and/or scores easy TD's on a short field and they build an early lead, it would be tough to overcome because I understand both defenses are solid. Emotions will be high both on the field and in the stands. These are the games you like to see, as it should be this deep in the playoffs. Hopefully the game will live up to our expectations and will be played cleanly and injury free.

 

Good luck to the Pirates and Bobcats, Friday can't get here soon enough.

My compliments to the fans of both programs for the posts in this thread. Great information; nice analysis of both teams; no garbage. Well done folks.

 

We're pretty familiar with each other. I've got a lot of respect for Belfry and their program. I look forward to the Breathitt-Belfry playoff matchups as much as any due to the history between the two, and the fact that it usually means my team has advanced deep into the season. If we play Belfry, it usually means we've had a good season.

Pretty good analysis, Watusi.

 

They both know what to expect. Forcing Belfry to pass is always the goal. If they beat you through the air, tip your hat to them I say.

 

Breathitt's shotgun spread has transitioned from primarily a passing offense to more like the system Rich Rodriguez used at West Va. The run is the primary weapon and they like to throw over the top in the passing game, which puts a lot of pressure on the defense. You have to stop the run game, but also be prepared to defend the deep ball.

 

I think this game will be decided by turnovers. I like Breathitt's chances if they take care of the football.

Watusi nailed it.

IMO, each team has one shining strength.

BELFRY

I think Belfry has a distinct advantage up front and with their overall depth. One of the most impressive things Haywood has done in my eyes is the evolution of the Pirate program in the past decade from an "Iron Man" team to a team who now almost platoons two separate units. Belfry has 3 guys who start both ways, and one of those guys is part of a revolving door rotation on defense at DT (Dotson) and another is part of a revolving door rotation at HB (Robinson). Messer (DE/TE) is the only Pirate who truly will be asked to play basically the entire game. Belfry is very deep with interchangeable parts at several positions, and most importantly their O-Line (which has been very solid) exclusively play only when the Pirates have the ball.

 

One of my concerns with Belfry early in the season was the apparent lack of a home run hitter on offense. The Pirates have guys like Johnson, Willis, Robinson, and Dixon who have proven they can house it on any given carry when the hole opens up...but there were not any apparent guys like a Thomas Varney, Dustin May, Doug Howard, or Matt Maynard who could make those plays solely with individual effort. This year's Pirate team beats opponents by using a "Death of a Thousand Cuts". They grind you and come at you from numerous looks and basically tempt you into making adjustments so they can hit you from an entire different angle. They have proven to be very adept at looooong 12+ play drives that suck the life out of teams, even in the Pirate's sole loss, an unenthusiastic stinker against JC, the Pirates had a pair of massive drives to open the game that they just failed to capitalize on.

 

Breathitt will have significantly more guys going both ways and if a fresh Belfry line starts imposing their will it will be hard to stop the snowball from rolling. Breathitt has some fine young talent that can help spell these guys, but anytime you sub you are running the risk of someone missing an assignment and that's when the Pirates are able to spring the "big one" on you.

 

 

 

BREATHITT

 

I am a big fan of Breathitt's skill guys, most notably Collins, Trent, and Noble. I love their versatility, their individual efforts, and the patience they show. None of these guys are the class of talent of guys like Channing Fugate, Justin Haddix, or other Breathitt greats...but as a collective unit I think this is the best group Breathitt has had since the 2002 team.

 

Belfry's biggest bugaboos this year are missed tackles and blown coverages allowing the WR to get behind the CB and Safety. Even going back to the 3A Finals last season, the majority of damage Central did with Wales were actually plays that Belfry made contact at the LOS or behind it. They were in position, they just did not make the tackle. Johnson Central had 2 big plays that accounted for a large lump of their offense, a beautiful run by Jude where Belfry had him hemmed for a minimal gain, and the run by the QB where Runyon had a bead on him deep in the backfield.

 

Breathitt is very well suited to attack Belfry at this prone point. The Smith kid at Pike Central had a very nice game against Belfry and had probably 95% of his yards come after initial contact. Collins is a better back than Smith.

Collins breaks a lot of tackles. He's tough to bring down. I'd love to see his yards after contact. Trent is no slouch either.

 

Another good analysis. Getting worn down is always a fear against Belfry. That's why it is important for Breathitt to score early and get a lead, IMO.

Belfry wins this one 28-7.

I just read that WYMT will be televising this game live as the game of the week. Does anyone know if they offer a live stream on their website?

This game will be a dandy!!